Pat McManus’s Brockenhurst are keeping pace with Winchester at the top of the Sydenhams Wessex Premier Division.

Dealt a seemingly tough start, the Badgers have risen to the challenge superbly, seeing off Newport IoW 1-0 at Grigg Lane on Saturday and following up with a 2-0 midweek triumph at Hamworthy.

Tomorrow they will be put to the test at home by Graham Rix’s AFC Portchester, who lost their opening fixture 1-0 at Petersfield on Tuesday.

Brock have thrived with a threadbare squad so far, but ex-Eastleigh midfielder Cassius Newton returns tomorrow and Tom Pigford and Martin Randall (both suspended) and Sam Gristwood (ill) are due back next week.

Long-serving Badger Mark Barker is recovering after having his tonsils out. *Due to problems with their pitch, Totton & Eling’s scheduled home game against Moneyfields tomorrow has been switched to Moneys’ Dover Road base.